Webinar: Creative Performing Arts Responses to COVID-19

COVID-19 has profoundly changed our world, our lives, and the arts. Arts Midwest and The Alliance of Performing Arts Conferences (APAC)* have gathered voices across the performing arts field for a conversation about how they’re innovating during disruption. Learn how these leaders have adapted to online fundraising, experimented with new dance class models, and moved performances online.

We’ll focus in on the goals and strategies that made each project successful, leaving time for questions at the end of the webinar. After the webinar, we’ll send all attendees a toolkit of resources to help you do it yourself.

Meet the Panel

Ashley Hanson (Moderator) – Department of Public TransformationAshley Hanson is a social practice theater artist, community organizer, and advocate for arts in rural areas. She is the Founder and Director of the Department of Public Transformation, an artist-led organization that collaborates with local artists and civic leaders in rural areas to develop creative strategies for community connection and civic participation. She is also the Founder and Director of PlaceBase Productions, a theater company that creates original, site-specific musicals celebrating small town life. She was recently named a 2018 Obama Foundation Fellow and a 2019 Bush Foundation Fellow for her work with rural communities. She is a firm believer in the power of people, places, play and exclamation points!

Kelly Turpin - CantusKelly M Turpin (she/her) is the Development Manager of Cantus and the Founder & Producer of Arbeit Opera Theatre in the Twin Cities. Kelly’s work in the non-profit arts sector strives to break down the barriers of the classical art form in order to actively engage more communities and bring people together. During COVID-19, Cantus pivoted to record the “COVID-19 Sessions”, held the Cantus Idol Online competition, and created a virtual gala, all which helped raise over $150,000 for the organization in less than two months.

Amy Levinson – Geffen PlayhouseAmy Levinson is the Associate Artistic Director at the Geffen Playhouse. During her 22 year tenure at the Geffen, she has spearheaded numerous programs for commissioning and developing new plays. After the Geffen closed its doors due to Covid-19, the theater launched an online project, Geffen Stayhouse and recently premiered The Present written and performed by Helder Guimaraes and directed by Frank Marshall on which Amy served as production dramaturg.

Katherine Disenhof – Dancing Alone TogetherKatherine Disenhof runs Dancing Alone Together, a website and Instagram account launched in response to COVID-19 that aims to be a central resource for finding digital dance opportunities such as virtual classes, streamed performances, and more. Katherine is a furloughed company dancer with NW Dance Project and previously worked at Alonzo King LINES Ballet as both a program coordinator and graphic designer.

Accessibility

Closed captioning will be available for this webinar. A recording of the webinar will be posted within 48 hours.

Submit Your Questions

Questions for our panel were accepted 24 hours in advance only. Our question form is now closed.